Get ready for a different type of fundraiser at the end of May that will allow you to dress down or dress up; whatever you fancy.
The Child Advocacy Centre Simcoe/Muskoka (CACSM) presents the Blue Jeans and Ball Gowns Gala Event at the Barrie Country Club on May 31 with dinner, live music and a silent auction.
Louise Jones, the fund development manager for the CACSM, says she is excited for the first major fundraiser for the organization.
“We have an annual swim in Orillia called the Sun City Swim which has always been our event to raise money and awareness to what we do but this May 31 gala is the first for our new site in Barrie and also something just a little bigger to get the word out about us,” said Jones.
The CACSM helps out with children who have experienced sexual or physical abuse and connects them police, health-care workers, child protection services and victim services all under one roof.
While the Orillia location has been around for a while, the new location at 64 Cedar Pointe Dr. in Barrie has only been opened since September 2017.
The gala on May 31 is one way Jones hopes to let people in the city and region know that they’re here and looking to help.
“We really want to get the word out that we are here in Barrie now and that there is a place to come for help,” said Jones. “One thing I’ve noticed about Barrie is the willingness to lend a hand when needed. There are so many fundraisers and charities in town but they all seem to get the help they require because Barrie people care and love to give; we hope we attract some people who see this organization and feel compelled to help.”
Jones and the CACSM team hope Blue Jeans and Gowns gala will be a fun night of not just food and dancing but great live music from artists not known to frequent the area.
Canadian country music star Beverly Mahood will be joined by fellow singer Jamie Warren and more guests to be announced to give a different spin on the regular fundraising event. Jones feels that having stars like Mahood and Warren will add something special to the night that in itself will be a bit different.
“The Blue Jeans and Gowns gala will allow guests to dress up for a fun night out but at the same time for those who dress up a lot, it’s a night to throw on your pair of jeans and let loose a little bit; that includes the ladies” said Jones.
“We were so happy to hear that Beverly Mahood was anxious to help us and that really launched the idea of a Songs and Stories night out," she added. "Whether you’ve been to a bunch of galas already this year or this will be your first, come out and enjoy the night, get some information and let your heart do the rest.”
The gala is May 31 with hors d'oeuvres being served at 6 p.m. and dinner at 7 p.m. and performances starting at 8:15 p.m.
All information including ticket purchasing head over to the website.
If you’d like to help the cause by sponsoring, you can email [email protected].
